By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Dec 11: Only RM3.7 million out of the Arts, Culture, and Heritage Facilitation Fund worth RM10 million has been used this year, says Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting.
He said the facilitation fund was specially allocated for this year post-Covid-19 under the Premier’s Office, and there are 81 successful applications to date.
“We still have some (leftover) funds, and because the RM10 million was not used up, we have to get the approval (from the Premier’s Office) for the remaining fund to be used for next year.
“We hope to continue this fund,” he said at a press conference to launch the commemorative book and opening ceremony of a literature forum held today at Riverine Diamond.
Meanwhile, Arts, Culture, and Heritage head Dr Elena Chai said the RM3.7 million was used to sponsor six book publications, including a book titled ‘Stars Twinkle, and so our Original Aspiration’ by the Sarawak Constellation Poetry Society which was launched today.
She also noted publications of three books on the folklore of different ethnic groups in Sarawak and a book on the Sebop language spoken by one of the minority groups in Sarawak.
Also present at the press conference was Sarawak Constellation Poetry Society chairman Ng Chek Yong. — DayakDaily
